Alexander G Thompson

My research focuses on the development of neurochemical markers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease without effective treatment; around 10% of ALS cases are caused by single gene mutations.  Trials of targeted gene therapies for the major ALS genes is ongoing in ALS patients.  My research aims to identify markers of cellular dysfunction in asymptomatic carriers of ALS gene mutations to enable earlier treatment with targeted gene therapies.  My work also aims to develop markers that will accelerate the development of effective treatment for ALS through accurate measures of disease activity and patient stratification.

My work primarily uses proteomic analysis of whole cerebrospinal fluid and extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) extracted from cererbrospinal fluid, in collaboration with the Target Discovery Institute.

I also work as a consultant neurologist in the Oxford MND Centre and in general neurology at Oxford University Hospitals NHS foundation trust.

My work is funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Medical Research Council.